Path: utzoo!attcan!utgpu!jarvis.csri.toronto.edu!mailrus!csd4.milw.wisc.edu!cs.utexas.edu!usc!apple!well!gors From: gors@well.UUCP (Gordon Stewart) Newsgroups: news.newusers.questions Subject: Re: why all the disclaimers? Message-ID: <12979@well.UUCP> Date: 2 Aug 89 16:44:05 GMT References: <11007@polya.Stanford.EDU> Reply-To: gors@well.UUCP (Gordon Stewart) Distribution: na Organization: Whole Earth 'Lectronic Link, Sausalito, CA Lines: 30 In response to your query, I have experience with harrassment as a result of my net postings -- from my boss, yes. My situation was a bit atypical -- I was a full-time contractor, so it could be said that I didn't have the same rights as employees, but .... First, DESPITE my disclaimer that my opinions were my own, the mere association of the institution (in the Header, and the return address) with my ramblings was "raising some eyebrows". This ex-Air Force Toady wouldn't say WHOSE eyebrows were raised. Typical GI fashion. In general, many net participants have access to the net as a result of their affiliation with Universities or Research Institutes or places like Xerox PARC. While it may appear obvious that one's opinions are one's own, the disclaimer is also an acknowledgement of the institution's patronage. In case you're wondering, the repressive place I worked was a joint venture research corp, headed by former spooks from the NSA! I would mention the name solely for the purposes of slandering the bozo who told me to "shaddup", but they won't get publicity at MY expense! -- {apple, pacbell, hplabs, ucbvax}!well!gors gors@well.sf.ca.us (Doolan) | (Meyer) | (Sierchio) | (Stewart)